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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico State equestrian held its end of the year team banquet Monday, April 29, at La Posta de Mesilla. The Aggies recognized its seniors Laura Bostwick, Megan Gould, Samantha Stephens and Hannah Swarthout for their dedication to the program and accomplishments throughout the year, while giving out the following team awards:

· Rookie of the Year – Courtney Cruse

o Cruse ended the season with a 50% win rate, an average score of 71, and one MOP in the Horsemanship. She also rode at the NCEA National Championship for the Aggies.

· Workhorse – Rianna Storey and Samantha Stephens

· Most Improved Hunter Seat – Julie Frey

o Frey competed in two events during the season, one in Equitation on the Flat and the other in Equitation over Fences. She ended the year with 1-0 record in each event.

· Most Improved Western – Jessica Woolsey

o Woolsey saw action in eight competitions this past season in Horsemanship, finishing with a record of 3-4-1.

· Most Outstanding Player – Horsemanship – Lauren DeVoe

o DeVoe closed the season with an average score of 71.4 and two MOPs, including MOP at the Skyhawk Invitational Tournament. She ended the season with a four win streak, including a win at the NCEA Championship against South Carolina. DeVoe had a season best score of 151 (76 & 71 under two judges) at the Skyhawk Invitational in Martin, TN. She was named the March 2013 National Collegiate Equestrian Association Rider of the Month in Horsemanship.

· Most Outstanding Player – Reining – Brynn Larson

o Larson ended the season with two MOPs, including being MOP at the Skyhawk Invitational Tournament. Her average score throughout the season was a 70.25. She had a season best score of 146.5 (73 & 73.5 under two judges) at the Skyhawk Invitational in Martin, TN. Larson won her match point at the NCEA Championship against South Carolina.

· Most Outstanding Player – Equitation over Fences – Emily McConnell

o McConnell ended the season with a 73% win percentage and a 10-4 record. She picked up 2 MOPs and finished the spring semester undefeated in regular season competition. McConnell earned a season best score of 89 against Baylor. McConnell was named NCEA All-American honorable mention in the fences for this season.

· Most Outstanding Player- Equitation on the Flat – Hannah Swarthout

o Swarthout closed the season with an 8-5 record and 1 MOP against SDSU. She scored a season best score of 85 against Miami University and picked up a win at the NCEA Championship against SMU.

· All-Around Student-Athlete – Tara Wilson

o Wilson exemplified what it means to be a student-athlete this year due to her dedication to academics, community service, sportsmanship, and athletics. Wilson was a starter for the reining squad and picked up wins against Kansas State, West Texas A&M, Fresno State, and SDSU. She carries a cumulative GPA of 3.65 and is a junior elementary education major. Wilson logged over 32.5 community service hours to date and was instrumental in helping coordinate several community service opportunities.